Find out what Council permissions you might need for carports, shade sails and shelters.
Building consent requirements
Carports
A carport is a roofed structure that is used for motor vehicle storage. To be regarded as a carport, at least one side of the structure must be open to the outdoors at all times.
There are three separate exemptions for building consents for carports. You will need to check which professional to hire according to the specifications.
- carports up to 20 square metres in floor area
- carports up to 40 square metres in floor area, when the design is carried out or reviewed by a chartered professional engineer, or
- carports up to 40 square metres in floor area, when a licensed building practitioner is to carry out or supervise design and construction
Shade sails
A building consent is usually not required for shade sails (and their structural supports) no larger than 50 square metres in size, and no closer than 1 metre to a legal boundary.
Shelters (for examples tents, marquees and similar lightweight structures)
A building consent is not required for tents, stalls, marquees and booths under 100 square metres in size, and in place for no longer than a month.
More information about building consents
Resource consent requirements
Many building projects may also require a resource consent. As part of the building consent process, applications are reviewed by a planner who can highlight any potential requirements, and provide some advice on what might be needed. You can also contact our duty planner, or read more about where a resource consent may be required below and avoid any potential delays to your project.
More information about resource consents